How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk – Easy Recipe
Have you ever started a recipe only to realize you don’t have a can of sweetened condensed milk in the pantry? Don’t make a special trip to the store! You can make homemade sweetened condensed milk in about 5 minutes with just 3 simple ingredients.
This easy sweetened condensed milk recipe is one of those kitchen tricks that has saved me more times than I can count. Mix it up when you need condensed milk for a dessert, baking recipe, or even your coffee.
Best of all, this recipe makes approximately the same amount as a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, so it’s easy to use in your favorite recipes.
What Is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has had much of its water removed and has been sweetened with sugar. The result is the thick, creamy, very sweet milk you find in cans at the grocery store.
You’ll find it in everything from pies and fudge to homemade ice cream, coffee drinks, and other desserts.
And yes; when you see a recipe in the U.S. that simply calls for condensed milk, it is usually referring to sweetened condensed milk.
Sweetened Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk
They may be sold in similar cans, but sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are not the same thing.
Sweetened condensed milk contains added sugar and is thick and sweet. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and has a much thinner consistency.
Because of that difference, you generally don’t want to substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk in a recipe without making other adjustments.
Ingredients
You only need three ingredients to make your own sweetened condensed milk:
- Powdered milk – This gives us the concentrated milk without having to simmer regular milk for a long time.
- Sugar – Regular granulated sugar works perfectly.
- Hot water – Make sure it’s hot enough to help dissolve the sugar and powdered milk.
That’s it!
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Add the powdered milk, sugar, and hot water to a blender.
Blend until everything is completely combined and smooth. It really is that simple.
The mixture may seem a little thinner than canned sweetened condensed milk when you first make it. It will thicken more as it cools.
Use it immediately if your recipe allows, or refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
This homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe makes approximately 14 ounces, which is the equivalent of one standard can of sweetened condensed milk.
That means if your recipe calls for:
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
you can use one batch of this homemade version instead.
No measuring gymnastics required.
Can I Make Dairy-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes! You can make a dairy-free version by replacing the powdered milk with powdered coconut milk.
Keep in mind that coconut milk can add a slight coconut flavor, depending on the brand you use. For most desserts, that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
How to Store Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Store your homemade sweetened condensed milk in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
It will continue to thicken as it chills, so don’t worry if it looks a little thinner than expected right after blending.
Give it a good stir before using.
Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once you have a batch in the fridge, there are plenty of ways to put it to work. Use homemade sweetened condensed milk in:
- Pies and other desserts
- Fudge and candy recipes
- Homemade ice cream
- Coffee and iced coffee
- No-bake desserts
- Cakes and bars
Or just use it anywhere a recipe calls for a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is condensed milk the same as sweetened condensed milk?
In the United States, “condensed milk” generally refers to sweetened condensed milk. It is a concentrated milk product with added sugar.
Can I use evaporated milk instead?
Not as a direct substitute. Evaporated milk doesn’t contain the added sugar found in sweetened condensed milk, so swapping one for the other can change both the sweetness and texture of a recipe.
Why is my homemade sweetened condensed milk thin?
This homemade version can be thinner when it is freshly blended. Let it cool and refrigerate it, and it should thicken as it chills. Different brands of powdered milk can also give slightly different results.
How much homemade sweetened condensed milk equals one can?
One batch of this recipe makes approximately the equivalent of a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup powdered milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- In small bowl combine the powdered milk and the sugar. Set aside.
- Put hot water into blender and start blender.
- While the blender is running, pour in the powdered milk /sugar mixture.
- Blend until smooth.
- This recipe equals one can of store bought condensed milk.
Dairy Free
- Substitute Coconut Milk Powder Mix or other dairy free milk powder
Nutrition
Originally Posted March 2013. Updated on Sept 2026
Thanks for sharing another great recipe! I recently started making my own coffee creamer, but realized quickly it isn’t much savings when you are using a $2.25 can of sweetened condensed milk and I wanted dairy free, so this is perfect for me. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing!! Where do you get powdered coconut milk?!?!
Whole foods, or another health food store. You can even order it online. 🙂
Could you substitute Splenda for the sugar for a sugar-free version?
Hey Susan, Great question. I have never tried it, but I would love to hear your outcome if you do.
Hi! Thanks for the recipe. I have a question, did you use instant powder milk or just regular?
It comes out a bit thin…perfect for coffeee